Written by Chase Neukam for the NECC

DAVENPORT, Iowa - The National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) announced the next stop in their Hometown Series of scholastic LAN events recently. The two-day event will be held at Rhythm City Casino on October 23rd-24th and hosted by the St. Ambrose University (SAU) Esports program as well as Visit Quad Cities.

For more detailed information about the event, including how to purchase tickets, please visit the following link. 

Recently, the event team consisting of Chase DeWitt, Caleb Glube, Joan Kranovich, Ryan Lousbury, Chase Neukam, and Jacob VanRyn met to discuss the specifics of the upcoming scholastic esports LAN. The group consists of leadership from the NECC, SAU Esports, Rhythm City Casino, and Visit Quad Cities.

After meeting with Neukam earlier this year, Kranovich, the Director of Sports & Business Growth at Visit Quad Cities, began a search for funding to help bolster events throughout the Quad City Esports community. In late August, Kranovich was notified that the call for funding was answered. The Iowa Regional Sports Authority had awarded a $10,000 grant for the upcoming NECC Hometown Series event.

“Through our partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), the Regional Sports Authority District (RSAD) program is a viable resource for Visit Quad Cities to support and invest in new events that create sports tourism opportunities while fulfilling our mission,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities.

“We look forward to hosting the National Esports Collegiate Conference’s NECC Hometown Series this October at Rhythm City Casino Resort. Esports continues to emerge and is in a growth trajectory so this was a chance to work with St. Ambrose University to add value for our regional destination and showcase these student-athletes.”

Jacob VanRyn, NECC Commissioner, was thrilled to hear the opportunity presented by the Iowa Regional Sports Authority.

“We truly appreciate the support from the Iowa Regional Sports Authority”, VanRyan commented. “This grant will allow access to put on a truly first-class event this fall and we could not be more excited. I’d personally like to thank Joan Kranovich and her team at Visit Quad Cities for their efforts in pursuing this opportunity.”

Chase DeWitt, grassroots esports professional and co-head of the event team, shared his excitement immediately thereafter. "We are very excited to be able to use this in providing the best possible experience for competitors at our event."

The NECC Hometown Series presented by SAU Esports and Visit Quad Cities will hit Rhythm City Casino on October 23rd-24th. The scholastic esports event will host high school and collegiate brackets in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Rocket League, and Overwatch. The grant funding will partially be used to fund scholarship prizing for each bracket throughout the two-day event. Tickets are currently available for $40 per person and can be purchased here

________________________________________________________________

ABOUT NECC ESPORTS
The NECC began sponsoring esports in the fall of 2020. The NECC is currently sponsoring both regular season competition and championships across a wide variety of titles. The conference aims to serve the gaming community with respect and is a safe and inclusive environment. With more than 150 colleges and universities currently competing in the conference, the NECC is proud to be a positive home for the collegiate gaming community.